Hon Murray McCully
Minister of Foreign Affairs
15 August 2012
Media Statement
McCully names Ambassador to Russia
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today named New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the Russian Federation as career
diplomat Hamish Cooper.
“Russia’s decision to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand is a sign of the growing significance of
our relationship, and our shared interests in the Asia-Pacific region,” Mr McCully says.
“The Ambassador’s role will be focused on expanding the relationship, particularly developing trade and economic links.
“Russia is a key global player as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, one of the G8 and G20 economies, and as
a member of the BRICs grouping (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). It is the only nation with a stake and
presence in both Europe and the Pacific rim,” Mr McCully says.
The position is cross-accredited to fellow Russia Customs Union and prospective FTA partners Kazakhstan and Belarus, as
well as Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine.
Mr Cooper is currently director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s International Security and Disarmament
Division and Co-ordinator for Counter-terrorism. He has previously served as Ambassador to Turkey and Consul-General in
Osaka.